Mom was born Oct. 13, 1941 in Rockingham. She was the daughter of Phil and Louella Spivey. Betty passed away on Monday, Aug. 31, 2026 at Richmond Country Hospice Haven.
She was fiercely independent and was blessed to have been at home until the day before her passing. She made herself breakfast Sunday morning and had a great visit with her Grandson Ben and his wife Caroline that afternoon, which surely gave her joy.
Mom was diagnosed with COPD and congestive heart failure over a decade ago and continued to surprise her doctors by continuing to go and do. Those who knew her will find no surprise in that.
Although she had many jobs in her life, the most rewarding and cherished was working at Our Daliy Bread Food Ministry where she “volun-worked” for over 20 years. She loved God, gospel music, going to plays and concerts, beach music, good coffee and long chats on the phone.
We are grateful for the neighbors, friends and church family that have continued to support Mom with visits, prayers and road trips, especially over the last several months as her physical strength declined.
We will forget someone, but want to especially thank Gail Parks and Debbie Rohleder for endless road trips, coffee shop visits and doctors’ appointments with Mom. Jason and Crystal Harris, thank you for being great neighbors and always checking in on her. Pastor Darrel Bowles, thank you for the prayers, visits and for sharing your passion for God and the power of faith. We are grateful immensely thankful for the Angels on Earth, also known as hospice caregivers. Thank you, Jasmine, for helping get Mom’s toes and nails done. Many of us share the desire to have our nails done before an important date!
Betty is preceded in death by her parents, Phil and Louella Spivey; and her daughter, Cheryl Johnson.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Kim Johnson; son, Darryl Johnson; and four grandchildren and great-grandson: grandson Ben Hains and his wife Caroline; granddaughter Hayden Capodiferro, her husband Dominic and their son, Owen; granddaughter Alexis Johnson and grandson Zachary Johnson. Lastly, she is survived by her loyal cat Salem, who has been adopted by a local family.
While we will miss our Mom and your friend, we can all take comfort that she has peace.
Services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 9 at First Methodist Church in Rockingham at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: Our Daily Bread, 108 S. Randolph St. Rockingham, NC 28379; or Richmond County Hospice 1119 U.S. Hwy. 1 N Rockingham, NC 28379.
Online condolences may be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is serving the Gibson family.
